﻿Glenshee Archaeology Project﻿

Exploring the archaeology and history of the fairy glen﻿Background image Edward Martin Photography www.em-photo.co.uk﻿

Archaeology in Glenshee

Glenshee, in north-east Perth and Kinross, is a beautiful and distinctive landscape that is remarkably rich in archaeological remains - from prehistoric stone circles and burial cairns to Pictish longhouses, and the fermtouns and sheilings of the 19th century. The Glenshee Archaeology Project, developed by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and delivered in partnership with Northlight Heritage, investigated several rare Pictish turf and stone longhouses dating to around 500-1000 AD. The name Glen Shee comes from the Scottish gaelic glean meaning 'glen' and sìth meaning ‘fairy people of the Other World’, so hence ‘Fairy glen or glen of peace’.

The Glenshee Archaeology Project 2012-2017

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Gannochy Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, The Strathmartine Trust and a number of other funders, the project aimed to engage with local residents, and volunteers from further afield, to explore the prehistoric and early medieval archaeology of Glenshee for the benefit of both residents and visitors to the area. The well-preserved archaeological remains of north-eastern Perthshire have been neglected by academics and national agencies, and only lightly-touched by developer funded archaeology since the RCAHMS publication North-east Perth: an archaeological landscape (1990) highlighted its importance and value. Through 'citizen science' Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and Northlight Heritage aimed to address this neglected narrative and uncover the fascinating prehistory of Glenshee and tell the story to all...